Self-determination; deciding one's own fate or status (often used in contexts like the right of a people to self-determination).
民族自決の原則は国際法で重要視されている。
The principle of national self-determination is regarded as important in international law.
住民が自決によって将来を決めるべきだという意見が出た。
An opinion was voiced that residents should decide their future by self-determination.
Suicide; to take one's own life. This is a more formal or literary term for suicide.
戦時中、ある指導者が責任を取って自決したと伝えられる。
It is reported that during the war, a certain leader took responsibility and committed suicide.
追い詰められて彼は自決を選んだと報道された。
It was reported that, driven to desperation, he chose suicide.